
STARTING AND OPERATING
82
Battery at an acceptable charge level.
PANIC button not pushed.
System not disabled from previous remote
start event.
Vehicle alarm system indicator flashing.
Ignition in the OFF position.
Fuel level meets minimum requirement.
Remote Start Comfort Systems — If Equipped
When Remote Start is activated, the heated
steering wheel and driver heated seat features
will automatically turn on in cold weather.
These features will stay on through the duration
of remote start until the ignition is placed in the
ON/RUN position.
Remote Start Windshield Wiper De-Icer
Activation — If Equipped
When remote start is active and the outside
ambient temperature is less than 39°F (4°C),
the Windshield Wiper De-Icer will be enabled.
Exiting remote start will resume previous
operation, except if the Windshield Wiper De-Icer
is active.
The Windshield Wiper De-Icer timer and
operation will continue.
COLD WEATHER OPERATION
To prevent possible engine damage while starting
at low temperatures, this vehicle will inhibit
engine cranking when the ambient temperature
is less than –22°F (–30°C) and the oil
temperature sensor reading indicates an engine
block heater has not been used. An
externally-powered electric engine block heater is
available as optional equipment or from an
authorized dealer. The message “Plug In Engine Heater” will be
displayed in the instrument cluster when the
ambient temperature is below 5°F (–15°C) at
the time the engine is shut off as a reminder to
avoid possible crank delays at the next cold start.
EXTENDED PARK STARTING
If the vehicle has not been started or driven for at
least 30 days, it is advisable to follow the
instructions below.
To start the engine, proceed as follows:
1. Briefly push the ignition button
2. If the engine does not start, wait five seconds
and let the starter cool down and then repeat
the starting procedure
3. If the engine does not start after eight attempts, let the starter cool down for at least
10 seconds, and then repeat the starting
procedure
If the problem persists, contact an authorized
dealer.
NOTE:
After prolonged vehicle inactivity, very difficult
starting, that can be noticed through rapid fatigue
of the starter, might also be due to a discharged
battery. In this case you may jump start the
vehicle
Ú
page 177.
IF ENGINE FAILS TO START
Starting the Engine with Key Fob Battery Run
Down or Drained
If the ignition does not respond when the button
is pushed, the key fob battery might be run down
or drained. Therefore, the system does not detect
the presence of the key fob in the vehicle, and will
display a dedicated message.
For more information on starting with a
discharged key fob battery
Ú
page 22.
CAUTION!
Use of the recommended oil and adhering to
the prescribed oil change intervals is
important to prevent engine damage and
ensure satisfactory starting in cold conditions.
WARNING!
Never pour fuel or other flammable liquid into
the throttle body air inlet opening in an attempt
to start the vehicle. This could result in flash fire
causing serious personal injury.
Do not attempt to push or tow your vehicle to
get it started. Vehicles equipped with an
automatic transmission cannot be started this
way. Unburned fuel could enter the catalytic
converter and once the engine has started,
ignite and damage the converter and vehicle.
If the vehicle has a discharged battery, booster
cables may be used to obtain a start from a
booster battery or the battery in another vehicle
Ú
page 177. This type of start can be
dangerous if done improperly.
CAUTION!
To prevent damage to the starter, do not
continuously crank the engine for more than
25 seconds at a time. Wait 60 seconds before
trying again.
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83
AFTER STARTING — WARMING UP THE
E
NGINE
Proceed as follows:
Travel slowly, letting the engine run at a
reduced RPM, without accelerating suddenly.
It is recommended to wait until the digital
engine coolant temperature indicator starts to
rise for maximum performance.
STOPPING THE ENGINE
To stop the engine, proceed as follows:
1. Park the vehicle in a position that is not
dangerous for oncoming traffic.
2. Engage the PARK (P) mode.
3. With engine idling, push the ENGINE START/ STOP button on the steering wheel to STOP
the engine.
NOTE:
Do not leave the ignition in ACC position when the
engine is off.
To shut off the engine with vehicle speed greater
than 5 mph (8 km/h), you must push and hold
the ignition or push the ENGINE START/STOP
button three times consecutively within a few
seconds. The engine will shut down, and the
ignition will be placed in the ACC position.
With the keyless ignition system, it is possible to
leave the vehicle taking the key fob with you
without the engine switching off. The vehicle will
inform the absence of the key on board, only if the
doors are closed. After stopping the engine (cycling from the ACC to
the OFF position), the accessories are still
powered for about three minutes, or until a door
is opened.
When the ignition is in the OFF position, the
window switches remain active for three minutes.
Opening a front door will cancel this function.
After severe driving, idle the engine to allow the
temperature inside the engine compartment to
cool before shutting off the engine.
TURBOCHARGER COOL DOWN
It is recommended before switching the vehicle
off, to keep the engine idling for a few minutes so
that the turbocharger can be suitably lubricated.
This procedure is particularly recommended after
severe driving.
After a full load operation, keep the engine idling
for three to five minutes before switching it off.
This time allows the lubricating oil and the engine
coolant to eliminate the excessive heat from
combustion chamber, bearings, inner
components and turbocharger.
ENGINE BLOCK HEATER —
IF EQUIPPED
The engine block heater warms the engine and
permits quicker starts in cold weather.
Connect the cord to a 110-115 Volt AC electrical
outlet with a grounded, three-wire extension cord.
For ambient temperatures below 0°F (-18°C),
the engine block heater is recommended. For
ambient temperatures below -20°F (-29°C), the
engine block heater is required.Follow the steps below to properly use the engine
block heater:
1. Locate the engine block heater cord (access
door on the passenger side wiper cowl).
2. Pull the cord to the front of the vehicle and plug it into a grounded, three-wire extension
cord.
3. After the vehicle is running, properly stow away behind access door on the passenger
side wiper cowl.
NOTE:
The engine block heater cord is a factory
installed option. If your vehicle is not equipped,
heater cords are available from an authorized
dealer.
The engine block heater will require 110 Volts
AC and 6.5 Amps to activate the heater
element.
The engine block heater must be plugged in at
least one hour to have a warming effect on the
engine and at least four hours to have a
warming effect when ambient temperatures
are below -20°F (-29°C).
WARNING!
Remember to disconnect the engine block
heater cord before driving. Damage to the
110-115 Volt electrical cord could cause
electrocution.
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85
In addition to engaging the EPB, along with
steering and positioning chocks in front of the
wheels (when on a steep slope), you must always
place the vehicle in the PARK (P) mode before
leaving.
Should the vehicle battery be faulty, the battery
must be replaced in order to unlock the EPB.
Engaging The EPB Manually
Briefly pull the switch located on the center
console to manually engage the EPB when the
vehicle is stationary.
Noise may be heard from the rear of the vehicle
when engaging the EPB.
A slight movement of the brake pedal may be
detected when engaging the EPB with the brake
pedal pressed.
With the EPB engaged, the Brake Warning Light
on the instrument panel and the switch will
illuminate.
If, under exceptional circumstances, the use of
the brake is required with the vehicle in motion,
keep the switch on the center console pulled as
long as the brake action is necessary.The Brake Warning Light may turn on with the
hydraulic system temporarily unavailable; in this
case braking is controlled by the motors.
The brake lights will also automatically turn on in
the same way as for normal braking with the use
of the brake pedal.
Release the switch on the center console to stop
the braking action with the vehicle in motion.
If, through this procedure, the vehicle is braked
until a speed below 1.9 mph (3 km/h) is reached
and the switch is kept pulled, the parking brake
will definitively engage.
NOTE:
Driving the vehicle with the EPB engaged, or using
it several times to slow down the vehicle, may
cause severe damage to the braking system.
Disengaging The EPB Manually
In order to manually release the parking brake,
the ignition should be in the ACC position. Press
the brake pedal, and then push the switch on the
center console briefly.
Noise may be heard from the rear of the vehicle,
and a slight movement of the brake pedal may be
detected during disengagement.
After disengaging the Electric Park Brake, the
Brake Warning Light on the instrument panel and
the light on the switch will turn off.
If the Brake Warning Light on the instrument
panel remains on with the EPB disengaged, this
indicates a fault: in this case, contact an
authorized dealer.
CAUTION!
With the EPB failure warning light on, some
functions of the EPB are deactivated. In this
case the driver is responsible for brake
activation and vehicle parking in complete
safety conditions.
WARNING!
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle.
Allowing children to be in a vehicle
unattended is dangerous for a number of
reasons. A child or others could be seriously
or fatally injured. Children should be warned
not to touch the parking brake, brake pedal
or the gear selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the vehicle
or in a location accessible to children. A child
could operate power windows, other
controls, or move the vehicle.
Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving; failure to do so can lead to
brake failure and a collision.
Always fully apply the parking brake when
leaving your vehicle, or it may roll and cause
damage or injury.
CAUTION!
Never use gear position PARK (P) instead of
the EPB. Always engage the EPB when parking
the vehicle to prevent injury or damage caused
by the unexpected movement of the vehicle.
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87
DISPLAY
The following information is shown on the
dedicated area of the display:
In Automatic Mode: the active mode (P, R, N, D)
with "D" as the current gear number.
In Manual Drive Mode (Sequential) : the mode
(M) with the current gear and the double or
single gear shift request, use both up and
down (single or double arrow).
Gear Display
GEAR SELECTOR
The gear functioning is controlled by the gear
selector, which can assume the following
positions:
P = PARK
R = REVERSE
N = NEUTRAL
D = DRIVE (automatic forward speed)
AutoStick : using + manually shift to higher
gear; – to manually shift to lower gear The positions diagram is illustrated on the top of
the gear selector.
Gear Selector Center Console
The letter corresponding to the mode selected on
the gear selector lights up and appears on the
instrument cluster display.
To select a mode, move the gear selector forward
or backwards, together with pressing the brake
pedal and gear selector button to engage
REVERSE (R).
When leaving the vehicle, always make sure
the ignition is in the OFF position, remove the
key fob from the vehicle, and lock the
vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing
children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child
or others could be seriously or fatally injured.
Children should be warned not to touch the
parking brake, brake pedal or the
transmission gear selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to
children), and do not leave the ignition in the
ON/RUN or ACC position. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Damage to the transmission may occur if the
following precautions are not observed:
Shift into or out of PARK or REVERSE only
after the vehicle has come to a complete
stop.
Do not shift between PARK, REVERSE,
NEUTRAL, or DRIVE when the engine is
above idle speed.
Before shifting into any gear, make sure your
foot is firmly pressing the brake pedal.
WARNING!
1 — Gear Selector
2 — PARK (P) Button
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STARTING AND OPERATING
88
(Continued)
(Continued)
Gear Selector
The gear selector is a joystick style shifting
mechanism which returns to the center position
automatically. It can be pushed forward twice and
rearward twice, based on the starting condition.
The PARK (P) mode can be enabled/disabled by
pushing the PARK (P) button.
To transition the vehicle into REVERSE (R) mode
from DRIVE (D) mode, or into DRIVE (D) mode
from REVERSE (R) mode, it is necessary to move
the gear selector by pushing the gear selector
button.
When using AutoStick to change gears, move the
gear selector left from DRIVE (D) and then
forward toward the - symbol or backward toward
the + symbol and the gear is changed.
To shift out of PARK (P), or to pass from position
NEUTRAL (N) to position DRIVE (D) or REVERSE
(R), the vehicle must be moving at a low speed or
stopped, and the brake pedal must also be
pressed.
NOTE:
DO NOT accelerate while shifting from position
PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to another position.
After selecting a gear, wait a few seconds
before accelerating. This precaution is partic -
ularly important with a cold engine.
TRANSMISSION OPERATING MODES
PARK (P)
The transmission is locked in this mode. The
engine can be started in this mode.
NOTE:
Never try to engage PARK (P) mode when the
vehicle is moving. Before leaving the vehicle,
make sure this mode is engaged (letter P shown
on the display and gear selector) and that the
parking brake is engaged.
When parking on a flat surface, first engage the
PARK (P) mode and then engage the Electric Park
Brake.
When parking uphill, before activating the PARK
(P) mode, engage the Electric Park Brake.
Otherwise, it could be difficult to engage the
PARK (P) mode.
To check that the PARK (P) mode is actually
engaged, make sure “P” is illuminated on the
display and on the gear selector.
3 — Gear Selector Button
WARNING!
Never use the PARK position as a substitute
for the parking brake. Always apply the
parking brake fully when parked to guard
against vehicle movement and possible
injury or damage.
Your vehicle could move and injure you and
others if it is not in PARK. Check by trying to
move the gear selector out of PARK with the
brake pedal released. Make sure the
transmission is in PARK before leaving the
vehicle.
It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing
the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate
quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose
control of the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.
Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in or near the vehicle. As with all
vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle
while the engine is running. Before exiting a
vehicle, always apply the parking brake, shift
the transmission into PARK, and turn the
ignition STOP/OFF. When the ignition is in
the STOP/OFF position, the transmission is
locked in PARK, securing the vehicle against
unwanted movement.
When leaving the vehicle, always make sure
the ignition is in the STOP/OFF position,
remove the key fob from the vehicle, and
lock the vehicle.
WARNING!
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89
REVERSE (R)
Select this mode only with the vehicle at a
standstill.
NEUTRAL (N)
Use this range when the vehicle is standing for
prolonged periods with the engine running. The
engine may be started in this range. Apply the Electric Park Brake and shift the transmission
into PARK (P) if you must leave the vehicle.
DRIVE (D)
Use this mode in normal driving conditions.
Shifting from DRIVE (D) to PARK (P) or REVERSE
(R) modes must take place only after releasing
the accelerator pedal, with vehicle at a standstill
and brake pedal pressed.
This mode ensures automatic engagement of the
most suitable gears for driving needs and
maximum fuel economy in terms of consumption.
In this position, the transmission shifts the gears
automatically, selecting the most suitable for
forward driving among those available as you go.
This ensures the vehicle's optimal driving charac
-
teristics are provided for all conditions.
AutoStick
In the case of frequent shifting (e.g. for sport
driving, when the vehicle is driven with a heavy
load or on slopes), it is recommended to use the
AutoStick (sequential shifting) mode to select and
keep a lower fixed ratio.
In these conditions, the use of a lower gear
improves vehicle performance, preventing
overheating. It is possible to shift from DRIVE (D) mode to
sequential mode regardless of vehicle speed.
Activation
Starting from DRIVE (D), move the selector to the
left (– and + indication of the trim) to activate the
sequential drive mode. The gear engaged will be
shown on the display.
Shifting is made by moving the gear selector
forwards, towards symbol – or backwards,
towards symbol +.
Steering Wheel Shift Paddles — If Equipped
The gear can also be manually shifted by using
the paddles behind the steering wheel. Pull the
right paddle (+) toward the steering wheel and
release it to engage a higher gear, and perform
the same operation with the left paddle (-) to
engage a lower gear.
Steering Wheel Shift Paddles
NOTE:
If only one manual shift is necessary, the letter
“D” will remain on the display with the engaged
gear next to it.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing
children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child
or others could be seriously or fatally injured.
Children should be warned not to touch the
parking brake, brake pedal or the
transmission gear selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to
children), and do not leave the ignition in the
ON position. A child could operate power
windows, other controls, or move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Before moving the transmission gear
selector out of PARK, you must push the
ignition button to cycle from STOP/OFF
position to the ON position, and also press
the brake pedal. Otherwise, damage to the
gear selector could result.
DO NOT race the engine when shifting from
PARK or NEUTRAL into another gear range,
as this can damage the drivetrain.
WARNING!
WARNING!
Do not coast in NEUTRAL and never turn off
the ignition to coast down a hill. These are
unsafe practices that limit your response to
changing traffic or road conditions. You might
lose control of the vehicle and have a collision.
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91
(Continued)
(Continued)
Do not change between PARK (P), REVERSE
(R), NEUTRAL (N) or DRIVE (D) modes with
engine running at a speed above idling.
Before activating any transmission operating
mode, fully press the brake pedal.
NOTE:
The unexpected movement of the vehicle can
injure the occupants or people nearby. Do not
leave the vehicle with the engine running: before
getting out of the passenger compartment always
engage the Electric Park Brake, select the PARK
(P) mode and stop the engine.
ALFA DNA / PRO SELECTOR
ALFA DNA SYSTEM
This vehicle is equipped with an Alfa DNA system
selector (located on the center console). There
are four modes of operation to be selected
according to driving style and road conditions:
Alfa DNA System Selector
WARNING!
It is dangerous to shift out of PARK or
NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than
idle speed. If your foot is not firmly pressing
the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate
quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose
control of the vehicle and hit someone or
something. Only shift into gear when the
engine is idling normally and your foot is
firmly pressing the brake pedal.
Unintended movement of a vehicle could
injure those in or near the vehicle. As with all
vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle
while the engine is running. Before exiting a
vehicle, always apply the parking brake, shift
the transmission into PARK, and turn the
ignition OFF. When the ignition is in the OFF
position, the transmission is locked in PARK,
securing the vehicle against unwanted
movement.
When leaving the vehicle, always make sure
the ignition is in the OFF position, remove the
key fob from the vehicle, and lock the
vehicle.
Never leave children alone in a vehicle, or
with access to an unlocked vehicle. Allowing
children to be in a vehicle unattended is
dangerous for a number of reasons. A child
or others could be seriously or fatally injured.
Children should be warned not to touch the
parking brake, brake pedal or the
transmission gear selector.
Do not leave the key fob in or near the
vehicle (or in a location accessible to
children), and do not leave the ignition in the
ON/RUN or ACC position. A child could
operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
CAUTION!
Only engage the gear with engine at idling
while fully pressing the brake pedal. If the
transmission temperature exceeds the
normal operating limits, the transmission
control unit may change the gear
engagement order and reduce the drive
torque. If the transmission overheats, it
could operate incorrectly until it cools down.
WARNING!
When using the vehicle with extremely low
external temperatures, the transmission
operation may change depending on the
engine and transmission temperature, as
well as vehicle speed. Activation of the
torque converter clutch and of the EIGHTH
gear is inhibited until the transmission oil is
correctly warmed up. Complete operation of
the transmission will be enabled as soon as
the fluid temperature reaches the
predefined value.
CAUTION!
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155
NOTE:
Air bag covers may not be obvious in the
interior trim, but they will open during air bag
deployment.
After any collision, the vehicle should be taken
to an authorized dealer immediately.
Enhanced Accident Response System
In the event of an impact, if the communication
network remains intact, and the power remains
intact, depending on the nature of the event, the
Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) will
determine whether to have the Enhanced
Accident Response System perform the following
functions:
Cut off fuel to the engine (if equipped)
Cut off battery power to the electric motor (if
equipped)
Flash hazard lights as long as the battery has
power
Turn on the interior lights, which remain on as
long as the battery has power or for
15 minutes from the intervention of the
Enhanced Accident Response System
Unlock the power door locksYour vehicle may also be designed to perform any
of these other functions in response to the
Enhanced Accident Response System:
Turn off the Fuel Filter Heater, Turn off the
HVAC Blower Motor, Close the HVAC
Circulation Door
Cut off battery power to the:
• Engine
• Electric Motor (if equipped)
• Electric power steering
• Brake booster
• Electric park brake
• Automatic transmission gear selector
• Horn
• Front wiper
• Headlamp washer pump (if equipped)
NOTE:
After an accident, remember to cycle the ignition
to the OFF position and remove the key from the
ignition switch to avoid draining the battery. Care -
fully check the vehicle for fuel leaks in the engine
compartment and on the ground near the engine
compartment and fuel tank before resetting the
system and starting the engine. If there are no fuel leaks or damage to the vehicle electrical
devices (e.g. headlights) after an accident, reset
the system by following the procedure described
below. If you have any doubt, contact an autho
-
rized dealer.
Enhanced Accident Response System
Reset Procedure
After the event occurs, when the system is active,
a message regarding fuel cutoff is displayed. Turn
the ignition switch from ignition ACC or ON/RUN
to ignition OFF. Carefully check the vehicle for fuel
leaks in the engine compartment and on the
ground near the engine compartment and fuel
tank before resetting the system and starting the
engine.
Depending on the nature of the event the left and
right turn signal lights, located in the instrument
panel, may both be blinking and will continue to
blink. In order to move your vehicle to the side of
the road, you must follow the system reset
procedure.
Customer Action
NOTE:
Each step MUST BE held for at least two seconds
Customer Will See
1. Turn ignition OFF. (Turn Signal Switch Must be placed in Neutral State).
2. Turn ignition ACC/ON/RUN. Right turn light BLINKS.
Left turn light is OFF.
3. Turn right turn signal switch ON. Right turn light is ON SOLID.
Left turn light BLINKS.
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